Aurender N20

Again, compare the Grimm with the Aurender.

That was an eye opener for me. Not yet a wallet opener though (although close!) - bit too expensive - but judging by the sound - worth it I guess (also it includes a lot of components in the tin: NUC, hi-end clocks, upscaler etc).

@lordmelton 

From all reviews and Aries Cerat, the USB input of the Helene is possibly the best input. If you could elaborate? I am "digitally challenged," and much of the digital terminology is new to me, especially file formats. Boy, I miss the day when you insert a CD and press play!! On the flip side, streaming has introduced me to so many genres of music. 

@jeffreyw Hi Jeff, The AES/EBU digital XLR connection can only handle, max 192 kHz PCM it cannot play Native DSD.

Native DSD will be converted to DOP (DSD over PCM) either by your Aurender N20 or by the DAC. DOP is very good by not quite as good as DSD.

USB will handle files of much higher frequencies including DSD, so you can play files higher than 192 kHz PCM.

The N20’s XLR digital output is excellent so unless the Aries’ USB board is better I’m sure the XLR will be the best performer. Of course you will need to experiment yourself, or ask someone that has the same combination.

In this price range quality cables are extremely important.

I do find it disappointing however that a DAC of this quality and price doesn’t offer DSD processing and I2s inputs.

Hi-Rez files at 192 kHz will sound great regardless.

On my  setup with an N20 I favour USB for FLAC files and AES/EBU for WAV files.

@lordmelton 

Great explanation… but also makes me a bit liking the simpler days.
 

However owning a couple Aurender… I am happy to report you can just plunk it down, connect it..and turn it on, log into your Qobuz account and you are going to get fantastic sound… you can worry about the details of these slightly different high resolution formats later.

@ghdprentice Yes, The Aurender 20 and 30 series provide the full package catering to all formats in a very intuitive package with reference SQ.

Some may say there are better sounding streamers but at a price point, company support, build quality and ease of use the Aurenders set the standard.